With the recent Ordnance Survey (OS) GB modernisation programme of OS Net reference stations, it is now possible to receive and use the additional new GNSS signals. As of August, the Galileo constellation has 17 operational satellites with five new satellites in commissioning. BeiDou has 12 GNSS satellites with a further six satellites scheduled for launch later this year and global coverage expected by 2020. Once these are operational, and with further launches planned in the coming years, use of multi-GNSS is set to only improve.

“Our upgrade to next generation, OS Net reference station infrastructure underpins mapping across Great Britain and offers an improved level of service to GNSS users by now adding the Galileo and BeiDou signals,” said Dr. Paul Cruddace, Ordnance Survey business change and innovation manager.

“As an OS partner, HxGN SmartNet was the first commercial network RTK service in Great Britain. Launched in 2005, today it is still the leading choice for users up and down the country,” said Martin Edwards, HxGN SmartNet commercial manager for the UK. “Continuous investment in HxGN SmartNet brings real tangible benefits to our subscribers as more GNSS signals improve productivity and pushes the boundaries in challenging canyon and canopy environments.”

With an even greater number of signals available, Hexagon’s latest self-learning GNSS series is able to use the best available signals to deliver the optimal computed position. This ensures improved geometry, a greater potential to achieve RTK fixes, and reduced multipath effects. The higher reliability of the position enables users to provide more accurate results with the most efficient operations.

“Since 2009, many GNSS receivers have been future-proof, hardware-ready for full GNSS availability,” said Mark Francis, Leica Geosystems Geomatics UK market segment manager. “Now with the new support in HxGN SmartNet, and more available satellites, our users can realise an even better return on their investment, working in areas that were previously difficult to survey.”

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